Page 23 - TPA Journal March April 2022

RECOMMENDATION
The benefits of police agencies embracing and implementing the service-quality-oriented approach
to policing greatly outweighs the counter arguments. Over the last few decades, the traditional law
enforcement model has shown to be more impersonal, less effective and more costly (Greene,
2000). Law enforcement organizations have increased liability due to continued use of force issues,
and the continued lack of training in de-escalation techniques.

Beginning in the 1970’s, law enforcement academies have taught a warrior-style mindset (Kindy,
2015). Police departments have then sent officers into the field with a use of force identity of that of
a warrior. Officers go into each call with that mindset, which is a “conquer and win” type of mindset.
Many times, that attitude only escalates things farther, which results in a use of force that may be
justified, but might not have been necessary (Kindy, 2015). Research has shown that the service-
oriented-policing models are successful at reducing crime while improving police legitimacy within
the community and gaining public support (Katz, Webb, & Schaefer, 2001).

Property value increase can be a great selling point for the implementation of a service-oriented
approach to policing (Pope & Pope, 2012). The effects of quality law enforcement in a community
cannot be simply be measured in the reduction in crime rate alone. An across-the-board study
shows that efficacy in policing reduces crime rates, raises the economy, and elevates property
values in the community in which it serves (Scheider, Spence, & Mansourian, 2012). These
benefits can be seen by the implementation of a service-oriented approach to policing in most any
populous. While the timeframe and rate of adjustment varied from neighborhood to neighborhood,
studies showed positive change throughout the range. (Scheider, Spence, & Mansourian, 2012). In
addition, a study done in New York City showed that commercial property values decreased
significantly throughout the tested areas based on the amount of crimes reported versus the value
being substantially higher for similar commercial properties in areas with lesser reported crime
(Lens & Meltzer, 2016)

Gaining officer buy-in and participation can be difficult when implementing a service-oriented
approach to policing. Many officers balk at the mention of implementing the service-quality-based
model of policing within departments. It is widely believed by street level officers and front line
supervisors that the program is a politically driven program that takes the place of much more
important training in the academy. Many officers assert that the kinder and gentler methods that
service-oriented-policing teaches causes officers to get hurt and/or killed (Borrello, 1998). In
contrast, statistics have shown that the less aggressive service-oriented approach to policing is
actually safer and results in less use of force reports by officers when compared to the traditional
methods (Kindy, 2015).

The cost of implementing a service-quality-based policing model is a change in the entire mindset
of modern policing, and can be done with minimal extra capital than departments currently function
on (McKee, 2001). Surveys have been created that allow law enforcement agencies to implement
the program without the financial discomfort of having to hire professional researchers or auditors
(McKee, 2001). These surveys scale the effectiveness of the implemented program on vital
success factors within the community such as citizen quality of contact with police, community
perceptions of crime and disorder, individuals’ personal fear, and overall community cohesion as a
result of the program (McKee, 2001). Overall, a shift in the methodology and philosophy of the

March-April 2022 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • (512) 458-3140 19